Republicans in the state Senate and Assembly, including state Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island) have also called for gas-tax relief in the face of spiraling fuel costs.

"The actions of Republicans in the state Senate and Assembly, along with Senator John McCain's proposals at the federal level, demonstrate a responsive and accountable approach to serving the people of this state--the way government is supposed to work," said state GOP chairman Joe Mondello. "These sensible Republican plans will provide immediate relief for the problems people are facing every day, while longer-term solutions are proposed, researched and enacted."

"This issue continues to underscore that the Democrats are out of touch with the everyday problems that New Yorkers and Americans face," Mondello said. "It's time for the Democrats to come to the table and get things accomplished on this critical issue."